Apparatus and method for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness includes a body, a probe extending outwardly and pivotably mounted from the body, the probe is biased in a direction for placement against an edge of a workpiece with a predetermined force, a test head on a distal end of the probe for mounting test tape for physical contact with an edge as a test medium, a test point for mounting to the workpiece, and a continuity circuit mounted to the body in electrical communication with the test head and the test point for providing a predetermined electrical current between the test head and the test point through the workpiece when the test tape is cut sufficiently by the workpiece to allow the test head to touch the workpiece to form a complete circuit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates broadly to apparatus and methods for thenon-destructive testing of workpieces, equipment, and other industrialitems. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatusfor testing the sharpness of edges of workpieces comprised in householdappliances and other consumer goods.

Various hardware and equipment such as appliances and other suchconsumer goods often comprise workpieces formed from metal. Such metalworkpieces are configured into shapes having edges that may beconsidered sharp and, for example, when such workpieces with sharp edgesare comprised in a household appliance, the sharp edges may snag theclothing of a person using the household appliance. Thus, it is known touse a sharp edge test apparatus to assess the degree of sharpness ofsharp edges associated with household appliances or other equipment.

Underwriters Laboratories, which is an independent, not-for-profitproduct safety certification organization that tests products, haspromulgated a test for testing edge sharpness in an effort to encouragea uniform standard for edge sharpness. This test for testing edgesharpness promulgated by Underwriters Laboratories is denominated TestFor Sharpness Of Edges On Equipment and has been made available as ULForm 1439 (“UL 1439”) (ISBN 0-7629-0275-2). A general test apparatusspecified by Underwriters Laboratories for performing a test for testingedge sharpness includes two sensing tapes layered on top of anindicating tape to provide a three-layer tape arrangement on the testhead of the sharp edge test apparatus. The sharp edge test apparatususes an arm to support the test head and the arm is spring-biased toapply a predetermined force to the edge of the appliance as it is movedtherealong and, if the tape is cut, an analysis is conducted and asubjective determination made whether or not the edge has sufficientlycut the tape to render the edge dangerous and therefore fail the test. Atest apparatus having a sensing tape carried on a test head is availablefrom Excellent Technology Co. of Hong Kong and features removable testheads to speed up ongoing testing operations.

While a test for testing edge sharpness such as the test just describedmay yield useful results, tests of this type involving a visualobservation by a test performer that the sensing tape has been cutdisadvantageously bring with them an element of subjectiveinterpretation—namely, a subjective interpretation by the test performeras whether a sensing tape has, in fact, been cut or has not been cut. Itwould therefore be desirable if a test for testing edge sharpness couldbe performed that diminishes, if not entirely eliminates, the necessityfor a test performer to subjectively interpret the test results as towhether a sensing tape has been sufficiently cut or not cut whendeployed during a test for testing edge sharpness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the recognition brought forth by the presentinvention that it would be desirable if a test for testing edgesharpness could be performed that diminishes, if not entirelyeliminates, the necessity for a test performer to subjectively interpretthe test results as to whether a sensing tape has been sufficiently cutor not cut when deployed during a test for testing edge sharpness, it isaccordingly an object of the present invention to provide an edge testapparatus that diminishes the necessity for a test performer tosubjectively interpret test results as to whether a sensing tape hasbeen sufficiently cut or not cut when deployed during a test for testingedge sharpness.

It is accordingly an additional object of the present invention toprovide an edge test apparatus which provides an instant response to anedge test.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such an edgetest apparatus which provides an objective test regarding the sharpnessof the edge.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such an edgetest apparatus that maybe readied for use in a manner more rapid thanthe prior edge test apparatus.

To those and other ends, the present invention is directed to anapparatus for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness including abody; a probe extending outwardly from the body and pivotably mountedthereto, the probe being biased by biasing means in a direction forplacement against an edge of a workpiece with a predetermined force; atest head disposed on a distal end of the probe for mounting test tapefor physical contact with an edge as a test medium; a test point formounting to the workpiece; and a continuity circuit mounted to the bodyin electrical communication with the test head and the test point forproviding a predetermined electrical current between the test head andthe test point through the workpiece when the test tape is cutsufficiently by the workpiece to allow the test head to touch theworkpiece to form a complete circuit and thereby use electricalcontinuity as an indication of an excess of edge sharpness.

Sharpness is a difficult concept to quantify. There are no units forsharpness, yet different degrees of sharpness exist, to the extent thatthere can be an excess, if a predetermined standard is set foracceptable sharpness. UL 1439 sets forth the criteria for determiningwhether an edge has become unacceptably, therefore excessively sharp.Accordingly, with such parameters set, “an excess of edge sharpness” isa definite, measurable parameter.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a continuity indicator toprovide an indication that electrical continuity has been achievedduring a test, thereby indicating excess edge sharpness. It is preferredthat the continuity circuit be configured such that a current of atleast 5 mA is considered continuity for the purposes of an indication ofexcess edge sharpness, and more specifically, the continuity circuit isconfigured such that a current of 5 mA activates the indicator for thepurposes of an indication of excess edge sharpness.

It is preferable that the apparatus further includes a continuityindicator to provide an indication that electrical continuity has beenachieved during a test, thereby indicating excess edge sharpness, theindicator remaining active until reset; and a reset switch is disposedin the continuity circuit for interrupting current flow within thecontinuity circuit including current to the indicator and maintainingsuch interruption until continuity is achieved during a sharpness test,thereby preparing the continuity circuit for testing.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a continuity indicator toprovide an indication that electrical continuity has been achievedduring a test, thereby indicating excess edge sharpness, the indicatorremaining active until reset and a reset switch disposed in thecontinuity circuit for interrupting current flow within the continuitycircuit including current to the indicator and maintaining suchinterruption until continuity is achieved during a sharpness test,thereby preparing the continuity circuit for testing; and a secondindicator providing an indication that the continuity circuit has beenreset and is ready for use in testing an edge of a workpiece forsharpness.

It is further preferred that the continuity circuit include a main powerswitch for electrically disabling the apparatus when not being used fortesting an edge of a workpiece for sharpness.

Preferably, the probe is electrically conductive and in electricalcommunication with both the test head and the continuity circuit.Alternately, the test head may be wired to the continuity circuit.

The present invention also includes a method for testing an edge of aworkpiece for sharpness using the present apparatus. The present methodincludes the steps of providing an apparatus for testing the edge of aworkpiece for sharpness including a body; a probe extending outwardlyfrom the body and pivotably mounted thereto, the probe being biased bybiasing means in a direction for placement against an edge of aworkpiece with a predetermined force; a test head disposed on a distalend of the probe for mounting test tape for physical contact with anedge as a test medium; a test point for connecting to the workpiece; anda continuity circuit mounted to the body in electrical communicationwith the test head and the test point for providing a predeterminedelectrical current between the test head and the test point through theworkpiece when the test tape is cut sufficiently by the workpiece toallow the test head to touch the workpiece to form a complete circuitand thereby use electrical continuity as an indication of an excess edgesharpness.

The method further includes the steps of applying a plurality of tapemembers in a layered configuration on the test head in a predeterminedmanner; and connecting the test point to the workpiece. Next, the methodincludes the step of applying the tape members on the test head to theedge to be tested by applying a predetermined force using the body, theprobe and the biasing means and drawing a stroke of predetermined lengthacross the edge under test.

The next method step includes inspecting the apparatus for an indicationthat continuity had been achieved wherein the tape was cut by the edgeunder test sufficiently to make electrical contact between the test headand the workpiece, thereby allowing electrical communication between thetest head and the test point via the continuity circuit and theworkpiece, and thereby indicating to the user that the edge tested hadexcess sharpness.

It is preferred that the step of providing an apparatus includesproviding such an apparatus with a continuity indicator to provide anindication that electrical continuity has been achieved during a test,thereby indicating excess edge sharpness and the step of inspecting theapparatus includes inspecting the indicator.

It is further preferred that the step of providing an apparatus includesproviding a continuity indicator to provide an indication thatelectrical continuity has been achieved during a test, therebyindicating excess edge sharpness, the indicator remaining active untilreset and a reset switch disposed in the continuity circuit forinterrupting current flow to the continuity circuit including current tothe indicator and maintaining such interruption until continuity isachieved during a sharpness test, thereby preparing the continuitycircuit for testing; and the step of inspecting the apparatus includesinspecting the indicator and resetting the continuity circuit using thereset switch in preparation for further use.

Preferably, the step of providing an apparatus includes providing acontinuity indicator to provide an indication that electrical continuityhas been achieved during a test, thereby indicating excess edgesharpness the indicator remaining active until reset, a reset switchdisposed in the continuity circuit for interrupting current flow to theto the continuity circuit including current to the indicator andmaintaining such interruption until continuity is achieved during asharpness test, thereby preparing the continuity circuit for testing;and a second indicator providing an indication that the continuitycircuit has been reset and is ready for use in testing an edge of aworkpiece for sharpness. It is also preferred that the step ofinspecting the apparatus includes inspecting the indicator and resettingthe continuity circuit using the reset switch in preparation for furtheruse. The method further preferably comprises the step of inspecting thesecond indicator for an indication that the continuity circuit has beenreset and is ready for use in testing an edge of a workpiece forsharpness.

Preferably the step of providing an apparatus includes providing such anapparatus with an electrically conductive probe in electricalcommunication with both the continuity circuit and the test head.Alternately, the step of providing an apparatus includes providing suchan apparatus with a test head wired to the continuity circuit.

The present invention can also be defines in terms of a carrier, a tripcomponent and a signal generating element. In that manner, the presentinvention is directed to an apparatus for testing an edge of a workpiecefor sharpness, the apparatus including a carrier and a trip componentmounted on the carrier. The trip component is deployable against an edgeof a workpiece and is also disposable between a trip condition thatoccurs when the trip component is deployed against an edge of aworkpiece, the edge of the workpiece has a predetermined sharpnesscharacteristic, and the predetermined sharpness characteristic of theedge of the workpiece effects a change in the trip component and anon-trip condition that occurs when the trip component is not deployedfor testing against an edge of a workpiece and the edge of the workpiecehas a predetermined sharpness characteristic.

The present invention also includes a signal generating element, thesignal generating element being operatively connected to the tripcomponent. The signal generating element provides an electrical currentthat, when the trip component is in its trip condition, flows throughthe signal generating component and the trip component in a completeelectrical circuit and the signal generating element operates togenerate a signal in response to the flow of electrical currenttherethrough in a complete electrical circuit.

Preferably, the trap component is in electrical communication with thesignal generating element and the signal generating element is inelectrical communication with an edge under test such that a completecircuit is formed through the trip component, the signal generatingelement and the edge under test when the trip component is in its tripcondition. It is further preferred that the trip component includes anelectrically conductive test head for supporting test tape for physicalcontact with an edge as a test medium.

The present invention may also include an indicator light operativeresponsive to a signal generated by the signal generating element. Thepresent invention may also include a reset switch in electricalcommunication with the indicator light, signal generating element andthe trip component operable to effect a change in the trip componentfrom a trip condition to a non-trip condition after the trip componenthas been used for testing against an edge of a workpiece, and to effecta change in the signal generating element from a signal generatingcondition to a non-signal generating condition after the signalgenerating element has been used during an edge sharpness test.

By the above, the present invention provides a simple, objective sharpedge test apparatus that complies with standards set forth in UL 1439.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an apparatus for testing an edge forsharpness according to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the edge test apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1 showing internal components;

FIG. 3 is a partial end view of the test head of the edge test apparatusillustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the method according the preferred embodimentof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings and more particularly to the FIGS. 1 and 2,an apparatus for testing the sharpness of an edge of a workpiece isillustrated generally at 10 and includes a carrier such as a housing orbody 12. The body 12 may be a clam-shell type housing and it may bemolded from plastic, formed from metal or any other structural materialthat will support the inner workings of the test apparatus 10 as seen inFIG. 2.

Underwriters Laboratories, which is an independent, not-for-profitproduct safety certification organization that tests products, haspromulgated a test for testing edge sharpness in an effort to encouragea uniform standard for edge sharpness. This test for testing edgesharpness promulgated by Underwriters Laboratories is denominated TestFor Sharpness Of Edges On Equipment and has been made available as ULForm 1439 (“UL 1439”) (ISBN 0-7629-0275-2). UL 1439 is referenced hereinas a source of further information concerning one test for testing edgesharpness that the apparatus for testing the sharpness of an edge of aworkpiece and the method of the present invention can perform. However,it should be noted that the apparatus for testing the sharpness of anedge of a workpiece and the method of the present invention can performother tests for testing edge sharpness and the suitability of theapparatus for testing the sharpness of an edge of a workpiece and themethod of the present invention for performing tests for testing edgesharpness is in no way restricted to only those tests for testing edgesharpness performed in accordance with the test promulgated byUnderwriters Laboratories denominated Test For Sharpness Of Edges OnEquipment and available as UL Form 1439 (“UL 1439”) (ISBN0-7629-0275-2).

A probe 14 is rotatably mounted to a probe support 26 which is in turnmounted to the body 12. A biasing arrangement, in this case a spring 18is wound around a hub 24 which is rotatably mounted to the probe support26. The probe 14 extends outwardly from the body 12 from its mountedposition at the hub 24, such that the probe 14 transmits the biasinginfluence of the spring 18 to its distal end, for ultimate edgeengagement, with a constant downwardly directed force F₁ of 1.5 pounds(6.7 N).

The present invention also includes a trip component including a testhead 16 provided at the end of the probe 14. The test head 16 iselectrically conductive, and the entire probe 14 may be electricallyconductive as well. As seen in FIG. 3, an inner layer of sensing tape 22is provided around approximately one half the outer diameter of thesurface of the test head 16. The inner layer is sensing tape number 2, awhite vinyl foam tape described in UL 1439 Section 5.1(c). Attached tothe inner layer is an outer layer of sensing tape 20, namely, sensingtape number 1, a tetrafluorethylene tape as described in UL 1439 Section5.1(d).

Returning now to FIG. 1, a continuity circuit 30 which forms all or partof a signal generating element is provided to conduct the sharpness testby determining whether electrical continuity exists between the testhead 16 and a test point 36, which may be formed as an alligator clip inelectrical communication with the continuity circuit for clipping to theworkpiece, via the workpiece W and associated wiring 32, 34. If the tape20 is sufficiently cut so as to expose the conductive tape head 16 tothe edge E of the workpiece W, continuity is achieved and the edge Efails the test. The circuit 30 is shown in FIG. 1 away from the body 12of the tester 10 for clarity, with wiring 32, 34 shown for completenessof the circuit path, but it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the circuit 30 may be mounted to the body, for example withinthe clam-shell structure thereof.

It is also well within the skill of one in the ordinary skill of the artto construct a DC continuity circuit of the type described and appliedherein with the features described herein. Accordingly, a detaileddescription of the actual circuit is not warranted here. An on/offswitch 38 is provided for main power control. An indicator light 40 isprovided to become illuminated when continuity is achieved therebycausing the edge E of the workpiece W to fail the test. Optionally, anaudible indicator may be used in place of, or in conjunction with theindicator light 40. A reset switch 42 is provided to reset thecontinuity circuit in preparation for the next test. In order to informthe user that the tester 10 is ready for the next test, a ready light 44is provided in the circuit 30. Optionally, an indicator may be used toinform the user that the apparatus is in a proper position for executingthe test on an edge of a workpiece. It will be understood by thoseskilled in the electronic arts that the indicators and switches may bepositioned on the outside of the test apparatus 10 for convenient accessby a user and need not be mounted directly to the circuit 30 asillustrated generally in FIG. 1.

In order to complete the circuit illustrated in FIG. 1, a main wire 32extends from the conductive head 16 and, as seen in FIG. 1, through theprobe 14 to the circuit 30. In addition, a second conductor 34 isprovided between a clip 36 and the circuit 30 with the additional clip36 being mounted to the workpiece W as a test point so that continuitycan be established. As seen in FIG. 2, the wire 32 is wrapped around theprobe 14 to ultimately reach the conductive test head 16. Optionally, asseen in FIG. 1, the probe 14 may be electrically conductive itself andin electrical communication with the test head such that the wire aroundthe probe 14 may be omitted. Either technique would provide a workabletest apparatus 10.

Turning now to FIG. 4, in conformance with UL 1439 and a preferredembodiment of present invention, the method of the present invention isillustrated generally at 50 in the manner of a flow chart. Initially,the power is turned on to the test apparatus 10 as illustrated at 52.The operator then checks for a system ready light 44 at box 54 and if nolight is indicated as seen in box 56, the user presses the reset as seenat box 60 and proceeds with the test. If the system ready light 54 isilluminated, as indicated at box 58, the user proceeds with the test.The test point clip 36 is attached to some portion of the workpiece W sothat if continuity is established, current can flow.

Next, the user applies the test apparatus 10 to the edge E under test asseen in FIG. 1, thereby applying constant 1.5 pounds of force. A testapparatus 10 is then immediately moved along the edge E a distance ofapproximately 2 inches (50.8 millimeters) and then back to its startingposition without removal of the test apparatus 10 from the edge E. It isthen withdrawn from the edge E. The total distance of engagement betweenthe edge E and the tape covered test head 16 is not to exceed 4 inches(101 mm). The time of travel is to be between two seconds and 5 seconds.That is the test applied at box 64 in FIG. 4 and as discussed in UL 1439at paragraph 7.4.

Once the test has been performed, the user queries whether current fromthe test head 16 to test clip 36 exceeded 5 mA. In order to make thisassessment, the first indicator light 40 is viewed to determine whetherthe edge E has passed or failed the test. If the edge E has failed thetest, in that current from the test head 16 to test clip 36 exceeds 5mA, as illustrated at 68, the fail indicator 40 illuminates as indicatedat 70. If the current is not present and the fail indicator 40 does notilluminate, as illustrated at 72 the edge E has passed the test asillustrated at 74 in FIG. 4.

By the above, the present apparatus and method can be used to determinewhether an edge of an industrial workpiece such as an appliance is incompliance with UL standards in an objective and rapid manner. The useof a go/no-go type operational test provides such objectivity and canenhance the consistency of the test results as well as reducing the timenecessary to apply the test.

It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in theart that the present invention is susceptible of a broad utility andapplication. While the present invention is described in all currentlyforeseeable embodiments, there may be other, unforeseeable embodimentsand adaptations of the present invention, as well as variations,modifications and equivalent arrangements, that do not depart from thesubstance or scope of the present invention. The foregoing disclosure isnot intended or to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise to exclude such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

1. An apparatus for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpnesscomprising: a body; a probe extending outwardly from the body andpivotably mounted thereto, the probe being biased by biasing means in adirection for placement against an edge of a workpiece with apredetermined force; a test head disposed on a distal end of the probefor mounting test tape for physical contact with an edge as a testmedium; a test point for mounting to the workpiece; and a continuitycircuit mounted to the body in electrical communication with the testhead and the test point for providing a predetermined electrical currentbetween the test head and the test point through the workpiece when thetest tape is cut sufficiently by the workpiece to allow the test head totouch the workpiece to form a complete circuit and thereby useelectrical continuity as an indication of an excess of edge sharpness.2. An apparatus for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpnessaccording to claim 1 and further comprising a continuity indicator toprovide an indication that electrical continuity has been achievedduring a test, thereby indicating excess edge sharpness.
 3. An apparatusfor testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness according to claim 1wherein the continuity circuit is configured such that a current of 5 mAis considered continuity for the purposes of an indication of excesssharpness of the edge.
 4. An apparatus for testing an edge of aworkpiece for sharpness according to claim 2 wherein the continuitycircuit is configured such that a continuous current of 5 mA activatesthe indicator for the purposes of an indication of excess sharpness ofthe edge.
 5. An apparatus for testing an edge of a workpiece forsharpness according to claim 1 and further comprising a continuityindicator to provide an indication that electrical continuity has beenachieved during a test, thereby indicating excess edge sharpness, theindicator remaining active until reset and a reset switch disposed inthe continuity circuit for interrupting current flow within thecontinuity circuit including current to the indicator and maintainingsuch interruption until continuity is achieved during a sharpness test,thereby preparing the continuity circuit for testing.
 6. An apparatusfor testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness according to claim 5and further comprising a continuity indicator to provide an indicationthat electrical continuity has been achieved during a test, therebyindicating excess edge sharpness, the indicator remaining active untilreset and a reset switch disposed in the continuity circuit forinterrupting current flow within the continuity circuit includingcurrent to the indicator and maintaining such interruption untilcontinuity is achieved during a sharpness test, thereby preparing thecontinuity circuit for testing; and a second indicator providing anindication that the continuity circuit has been reset and is ready foruse in testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness.
 7. An apparatus fortesting an edge of a workpiece for sharpness according to claim 1wherein the continuity circuit includes a main power switch forelectrically disabling the apparatus when not being used for testing anedge of a workpiece for sharpness.
 8. An apparatus for testing an edgeof a workpiece for sharpness according to claim 1 wherein the probe iselectrically conductive and in electrical communication with both thetest head and the continuity circuit.
 9. An apparatus for testing anedge of a workpiece for sharpness according to claim 1 wherein the testhead is wired to the continuity circuit.
 10. A method for testing anedge of a workpiece for sharpness comprising the steps of: providing anapparatus for testing the edge of a workpiece for sharpness including: abody; a probe extending outwardly from the body and pivotably mountedthereto, the probe being biased by biasing means in a direction forplacement against an edge of a workpiece with a predetermined force; atest head disposed on a distal end of the probe for mounting test tapefor physical contact with an edge as a test medium; a test point forconnecting to the workpiece; and a continuity circuit mounted to thebody in electrical communication with the test head and the test pointfor providing a predetermined electrical current between the test headand the test point through the workpiece when the test tape is cutsufficiently by the workpiece to allow the test head to touch theworkpiece to form a complete circuit and thereby use electricalcontinuity as an indication of an excess edge sharpness; applying aplurality of tape members in a layered configuration on the test head ina predetermined manner; connecting the test point to the workpiece;applying the tape members on the test head to the edge to be tested inby applying a predetermined force using the body, the probe and thebiasing means and drawing a stroke of predetermined length across theedge under test; inspecting the apparatus for an indication thatcontinuity had been achieved wherein the tape was cut by the edge undertest sufficiently to make electrical contact between the test head andthe workpiece, thereby allowing electrical communication between thetest head and the test point via the continuity circuit and theworkpiece, and thereby indicating to the user that the edge tested hadexcess sharpness.
 11. A method for testing an edge of a workpiece forsharpness according to claim 10 wherein the step of providing anapparatus includes providing such an apparatus with a continuityindicator to provide an indication that electrical continuity has beenachieved during a test, thereby indicating excess edge sharpness; andthe step of inspecting the apparatus includes inspecting the indicator.12. A method for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness accordingto claim 10 wherein the step of providing an apparatus includesproviding a continuity indicator to provide an indication thatelectrical continuity has been achieved during a test, therebyindicating excess sharpness, the indicator remaining active until resetand a reset switch disposed in the continuity circuit for interruptingcurrent flow to the continuity circuit including current to theindicator and maintaining such interruption until continuity is achievedduring a sharpness test, thereby preparing the continuity circuit fortesting and; the step of inspecting the apparatus includes inspectingthe indicator and resetting the continuity circuit using the resetswitch in preparation for further use.
 13. A method for testing an edgeof a workpiece for sharpness according to claim 10 wherein the step ofproviding an apparatus includes providing a continuity indicator toprovide an indication that electrical continuity has been achievedduring a test, thereby indicating excess edge sharpness the indicatorremaining active until reset, a reset switch disposed in the continuitycircuit for interrupting current flow to the to the continuity circuitincluding current to the indicator and maintaining such interruptionuntil continuity is achieved during a sharpness test, thereby preparingthe continuity circuit for testing, and a second indicator providing anindication that the continuity circuit has been reset and is ready foruse in testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness; and the step ofinspecting the apparatus includes inspecting the indicator and resettingthe continuity circuit using the reset switch in preparation for furtheruse; and wherein the method further comprises the step of inspecting thesecond indicator for an indication that the continuity circuit has beenreset and is ready for use in testing an edge of a workpiece forsharpness.
 14. A method for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpnessaccording to claim 10 wherein the step of providing an apparatusincludes providing such an apparatus with an electrically conductiveprobe in electrical communication with both the continuity circuit andthe test head.
 15. A method for testing an edge of a workpiece forsharpness according to claim 10 wherein the step of providing anapparatus includes providing such an apparatus with a test head wired tothe continuity circuit.
 16. An apparatus for testing an edge of aworkpiece for sharpness, the apparatus comprising: a carrier; a tripcomponent mounted on the carrier, the trip component being deployableagainst an edge of a workpiece and the trip component being disposablebetween a trip condition that occurs when the trip component is deployedagainst an edge of a workpiece, the edge of the workpiece has apredetermined sharpness characteristic, and the predetermined sharpnesscharacteristic of the edge of the workpiece effects a change in the tripcomponent and a non-trip condition that occurs when the trip componentis not deployed for testing against an edge of a workpiece and the edgeof the workpiece has a predetermined sharpness characteristic; and asignal generating element, the signal generating element beingoperatively connected to the trip component, the signal generatingelement providing an electrical current that, when the trip component isin its trip condition, flows through the signal generating component andthe trip component in a complete electrical circuit and the signalgenerating element operating to generate a signal in response to theflow of electrical current therethrough in a complete electricalcircuit.
 17. An apparatus for testing an edge of a workpiece forsharpness according to claim 16, wherein, during a test of an edge of aworkpiece, the trip component is in electrical communication with thesignal generating element and the signal generating element is inelectrical communication with the workpiece such that a complete circuitis formed through the trip component, the signal generating element, andthe workpiece when the trip component is in its trip condition.
 18. Anapparatus for testing an edge of a workpiece for sharpness according toclaim 17, wherein the trip component includes an electrically conductivetest head for supporting a test tape for physical contact with an edgeof a workpiece as a test medium.
 19. An apparatus for testing an edge ofa workpiece for sharpness according to claim 10 and further comprisingan indicator light operative responsive to a signal generated by thesignal generating element.
 20. An apparatus for testing an edge of aworkpiece for sharpness according to claim 10 and further comprising areset switch in electrical communication with the indicator light,signal generating element and the trip component operable to effect achange in the trip component from a trip condition to a non-tripcondition after the trip component has been used for testing against anedge of a workpiece, and to effect a change in the signal generatingelement from a signal generating condition to a non-signal generatingcondition after the signal generating element has been used during anedge sharpness test.